When cicada killer wasps invade, people tend to get nervous. These insects are capable of paralyzing and carrying off cicadas, which means that they are large and rather fearsome looking. Fortunately, cicada killer wasps generally are harmless to humans. They are not particularly aggressive, and while the female is equipped with a stinger, she is far more likely to use it on a cicada than on a human.
Still, cicada killer wasps are undesirable in landscapes. Females create burrows with extensive tunnel systems that displace a surprisingly large amount of soil. This can mean considerable damage to lawns and flower beds. This, combined with the cicada killer wasps' appearance, is what typically motivates people to seek professional pest control services.
WHAT DO CICADA KILLER WASPS LOOK LIKE?
The insect has a black body decorated with yellow and white bands. With its slightly yellowish wings and red head and thorax, the cicada killer wasp is eye catching. Its size only enhances its presence. Adults typically range from one and one-quarter inches to one and one-half or two inches in length. Their wingspan is an impressive three inches.
WHAT DO CICADA KILLER WASPS EAT?
The larva of the cicada killer wasp feeds on paralyzed cicadas that the mother provides in the burrow. The cicada gives the wasp most of the nutrition it needs for its entire life cycle. Adults feed on flower nectar and other plant saps in addition to using fat stored from eating the cicada in the burrow.
WHERE DO CICADA KILLER WASPS LIVE?
This burrowing insect has a preference for well-drained soil that has minimal texture. This makes it easier to dig tunnels. If cicadas are nearby, cicada killer wasps are likely to follow. They frequently start to dig near trees where cicadas live. Lawns, flower beds and other gardens are among their favorite burrowing sites. The edges along sidewalks and patios similarly are susceptible to infestation by this insect. As the cicada killer wasp digs, they may bring as much as 100 cubic inches of soil to the surface while digging a single tunnel. This disrupts plant growth, displaces seeds and can smother grass.
Cicada killer wasp burrows can be extensive, reaching depths of 20 inches. The main burrow may have several tunnels branching off of it, and the female may place a paralyzed cicada in each one. Between one and three eggs will be laid on each cicada, which means that next year's population of cicada killer wasps will be significantly larger.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY CICADA KILLER WASPS
Cicada killer wasps are capable of displacing large amounts of soil while digging a single tunnel. Since they may dig several tunnels in a single season to house their larvae, this can add up to significant damage. Paving stones, patios and sidewalks all may sustain considerable damage that may be costly to repair. Cicada killer wasps similarly wreak havoc in gardens and lawns. This can be especially troubling to people who take pride in manicured turf and well-tended flower beds.
ARE CICADA KILLER WASPS AGGRESSIVE?
Cicada killer wasps generally are not aggressive toward people. However, females are equipped with a large stinger that is typically used to deliver the venom that paralyzes cicadas. If she feels threatened, the female may sting people or pets. This sting is incredibly painful, but occurs only rarely. Most people simply feel that the size of the cicada killer wasp makes it appear threatening.
While females are gentle and not particularly territorial, males can appear to be quite aggressive. They are not equipped with a stinger, but their unusual size makes them seem potentially dangerous to observers.
DO CICADA KILLER WASPS CARRY DISEASE?
Cicada killer wasps are not known to transmit diseases to humans or pets. Their sting is painful, but it is rarely delivered to any creature other than cicadas. While their ability to control the cicada population makes them beneficial to the environment, their large size and tendency toward destruction make the cicada killer wasp an unwanted guest.
HOW TO DETECT CICADA KILLER WASPS
Property owners may suspect an infestation of cicada killer wasps if the following signs are present:
• Piles of sand or soil around lawns and gardens • Paving stones that are suddenly uneven or are unsteady when walked on • Decks and patios can become uneven or unstable with a large infestation • Unexplained holes in turf and gardens • Uprooted plants and displaced seeds • Frequent sightings of large, buzzing insects around trees or near ground surfaces
HOW TO PREVENT WOOD CICADA KILLER WASPS
Homes and businesses should take these steps to help prevent a cicada killer wasp problem:
• Keep lawns, flower beds and vegetable gardens adequately watered as this insect does not like wet soil • Add a substantial layer of mulch to flower beds during the summer to discourage burrowing • Cut lawns on the highest blade setting to limit exposed soil • Have cicada populations eliminated from the property
HOW TO TREAT FOR CICADA KILLER WASPS
At Newtown Termite & Pest Control, we use a multi-faceted approach for treating hornets and wasps that have become problematic for area homes and businesses. Our methodology involves making use of the most appropriate detection, prevention, and treatments methods available. By combining these measures, we ensure that your home or business remains free of wasps and hornets.
